J.D. Power and Associates designated the 2011 Hyundai Equus as its most appealing large premium car in the 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM as Hyundai soared in the annual owner survey. In its 16th year, the APEAL study examines owners' assessments of the design, content, layout, and performance of their new vehicle. Vehicles and their brands are scored on a 1,000 point scale.

The Equus exceeded 900 points in this year’s study, achieving the highest APEAL score of any model in the industry. Equus outscored all other luxury premium sedans and performed considerably better than the segment average in the categories of vehicle exterior, storage, and audio/entertainment/navigation.

"The Equus has the distinction of being the highest-performing model in the 2011 APEAL Study," said J.D. Power and Associates. "The Hyundai Equus has achieved an impressive introduction into the marketplace from a performance, execution and layout perspective."

Overall, Hyundai was the most-improved nameplate in the industry and moved up 13 rank positions and 33 points to place 15th in 2011. This is the highest Hyundai has ever ranked in the APEAL Study, finishing ahead of all the Asian and U.S. domestic non-premium brands. The improvement is driven primarily by two of its redesigned models, the Sonata and Elantra, which improve by 57 and 35 points, respectively.

"We are thrilled with the recognition of Equus and the Hyundai brand as a whole in this year's J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study," said Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, Customer Satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America. "With the success of our Equus flagship and the unique appeal of our dynamically designed and fuel-efficient Elantra and Sonata, we're continuing our quest to satisfy all types of American car buyers."

Additionally, in the tightest race in the study, the Hyundai Sonata finished second by just two points – 818 v. 816 -- in the midsize car segment.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee.